A VICAR who is quitting his church has blasted critics in an astonishing farewell message.

"I met with apathy from some and so much hate from others, hatred which has lasted five long tiresome years in some cases," the Rev George Senior wrote in his last parish magazine, delivered to all 600 homes in the parish of St Michael and All Angels' Church, Foulridge.

It is the second time in the last 10 years that a Foulridge vicar has left after allegations of hatred at the church. In 1988, the Rev Roy McClure resigned after the congregation was torn apart into warring factions by what he called "the symptoms of hate".

Mr Senior, who arrived in Foulridge after being curate at St Peter's Church, Darwen, is set to leave at the end of this month after the harvest festival, five years earlier than he intended.

His strongly-worded article added that ministers should expect opposition.

"Some will hate you and your ministry simply because they are the devil's children and are evil, others because they allow the ridicule of others to overwhelm them." The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, said: "I'm very sad to learn that Mr Senior feels this way. I wish him all the best for his future ministry.

"There's going to be a total review of the pastoral care in the parishes in the wider Colne area. The parish of Foulridge and its staffing will be part of that review."

Bishop Chetsers said the review was not sparked by Mr Senior's comments.

Church warden William Fishwick admitted he would not be missed in the village. He said there had been a personality clash between the vicar and villagers. The problem started around 18 months after Mr Senior and his wife Joyce arrived at the St Michael's vicarage in 1992. A group of around a dozen long-standing church members left the church to join other congregations but still commented on St Michael matters.

Said Mr Fishwick, of Blenheim Terrace, Foulridge. "He hasn't enjoyed his time here. Although he had been at other churches, I think Foulridge was the first one he had been in sole charge of and he wanted to keep to the book.

"He gave very good sermons and services but he wasn't seen around the village. He couldn't seem to meet and talk with people. He was a bit reserved."

Mr Senior, who was away on a course and not available to comment, wrote in his article: "I look to the many friends and colleagues who have accompanied me these last five years and I rejoice at the rich harvest which together we have wrought."

He is to join a team ministry in charge of seven parishes in Lincolnshire.

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